Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most searched tiger destinations in India, and for good reason. With one of the highest tiger densities in the country, compact safari zones, and varied forest landscapes, Bandhavgarh offers some of the best chances to see wild tigers in their natural habitat.
A successful Bandhavgarh tiger safari involves not just luck, but also the proper combination of timing, park zone selections, the number of safari drives taken, as well as a good understanding of how the park is actually managed. This Bandhavgarh tiger safari guide contains everything you need to help you plan a successful visit.
Bandhavgarh National Park is located In the center of the country (Madhya Pradesh) of India. It is situated next to the larger Kanha and Sanjay-Dubri national parks and is part of the most diverse wildlife corridor in central India.
The relatively small size of Bandhavgarh National Park compared to some other parks in India offers many advantages in the frequency of tiger sightings. The three access points to Bandhavgarh are Jabalpur, Katni, and Umaria.
There are several factors that contribute to Bandhavgarh’s reputation as a significant tiger reserve, but one of the primary reasons is the large number of tigers within the small area of Bandhavgarh. So, a much higher density of tigers in a smaller area means a much greater chance of encountering tigers.
As compared to more extensive reserves, such as Kanha National Park or Tadoba National Park, the safari zones of Bandhavgarh are very small. Therefore, it is easier for guides to follow the tracks and calls of tigers, as well as their patterns of movement.
Many mature territorial males, as well as females, will tend to maintain long-term territorial boundaries within Bandhavgarhn. This gives experienced guides the ability to predict the path of tigers on a long-term basis regarding watering holes, resting sites, etc.
All of these factors combined to make Bandhavgarh one of the best places to observe wild tigers.
Bandhavgarh vs Other Tiger Parks
Travellers often compare Bandhavgarh with Kanha, Ranthambore, or Corbett. Each park offers something different:
|
Park |
What It’s Known For |
|
Bandhavgarh |
High chance of close-range tiger sightings |
|
Kanha |
Beautiful landscapes, barasingha, wide forests |
|
Ranthambore |
Tigers near forts and lakes |
|
Corbett |
Large wilderness, lower tiger density |
If your main goal is maximising tiger sightings, Bandhavgarh is often the best choice.
When is the Best Time to Visit Bandhavgarh for Tiger Safaris?
Sighting opportunities during the various months of operation for the park (October-June) aren’t equal:
– October through February = cooler weather, lush green surroundings, better opportunities for photography and other wildlife.
– March through April = the vegetation is drying up, which escalates the amount of tiger movement.
– May and June = these two months show the greatest concentration of tiger sightings, as many of the tigers will be congregating near areas with available water sources for drinking.
Travelers interested primarily in seeing tigers should consider making plans to visit between April and June (peak season).
How Many Safaris Should I Book?
A very common mistake when making reservations for Bandhavgarh safaris is to reserve too few safari drives.
If your ultimate goal is to see tigers in the park, the best recommendation would be:
– Minimum = 4 Safari Drives (2 days’ worth)
– Recommended = 6 – 8 Safaris Drives (3 – 4 days’ worth)
Remember, tigers are wild animals, and while sighting success rates increase with the number of drives taken, it’s still a matter of time and patience to see them.
There are 3 Main Safari Zones at Bandhavgarh:
– Tala Zone = Bandhavgarh’s most famous safari zone, as it is home to numerous Historic Tiger Territories, Lakes and Meadows. The Tala zone is historically known for having frequent tiger sightings.
– Magdhi Zone = large open grasslands and Sal forests. This zone provides excellent habitat for both tiger and prey species.
– Khitauli Zone = a more secluded or less crowded zone allowing guests the opportunity for longer tiger sightings and relaxed wildlife viewing.
Many guests in Bandhavgarh prefer to stay and experience the Game Drives in different zones in order to enhance their overall experience.
What You Can Expect from a Bandhavgarh Tiger Safari
The average safari length is 3-4 hours, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The vehicle you will be in is an open Gypsy that has a park guide and a trained driver.
While on your safari you will primarily be:
- Listening to deer and langur alarm calls
- Watching the tracks on the road
- Traveling at a slow pace between watering holes and along forest paths
When a tiger is located, the vehicles will form a line quietly so that everyone can enjoy watching without being disturbed by one another. A tiger sighting may only last for a few seconds or it can develop into a magical time of 20 minutes or longer.
Wildlife Other Than Tigers Found in Bandhavgarh
A Bandhavgarh tiger safari is not solely to observe tigers; the park is filled with wildlife such as:
- Leopards
- Sloth bear
- Wild dog
- Sambar adult deer
- Spotted deer
- Barking deer
- Langurs
More than 250 species of birds
Even though tigers may not always be visible, there is also plenty of activity in the forest year-round.
Where to Stay
Bandhavgarh offers an extensive range of accommodation options:
- Budget-priced homestays
- Mid-range safari lodges
- Luxury wildlife resorts
- Luxury wildlife resorts are located primarily around the Tala Gate and the Magdhi Gate, making them accessible for safari activities.
Most of the better lodges offer:
- Naturalist briefings
- Help with photography
- Comfortable vehicles
- Tea and packed breakfast in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are my chances of seeing a tiger in Bandhavgarh?
Bandhavgarh is one of the best places in India for tiger sightings, with over 4-6 safari opportunities available, allowing most visitors to have at least one sighting of a tiger.
2. Is Bandhavgarh a better place to see tigers than Ranthambore?
Bandhavgarh is known for the higher density of tigers and for its more natural forest environment, while Ranthambore’s more dramatic history (landover ruins and lakes) makes tiger sightings less predictable.
3. How long do I need to spend in Bandhavgarh?
Three to four nights (6 – 8 safaris) is the best time for a rewarding experience.
4. Is Bandhavgarh a good safari experience for those doing their first safari?
Yes, Bandhavgarh’s smaller size and frequency of tiger sightings make it an ideal safari destination for first-time safari flyers.
5. Can I visit Bandhavgarh as part of a longer tiger safari in India?
Yes, many travelers combine visiting Bandhavgarh with visiting other national parks such as Kanha, Pench and Tadoba for varying rainforest types and tiger territories.
6. Is Bandhavgarh suitable for wildlife photography?Absolutely. The open meadows, waterholes, and close-range sightings make it one of India’s best parks for tiger photography.
Conclusion
Due to its popularity during peak travel season (March – April) and limited safari permits, it is advisable to book your safari permit well in advance. You will be issued a safari permit based on your Zone within Bandhavgarh National Park, your morning or evening safari, and your vehicle type.
Most travelers typically book their safari permits through their lodge or tour operator, who will also arrange for your vehicle, driver, and park guide. The best way to ensure you get a permit is to plan ahead.
Ethical Wildlife curates small-group, photography-led safaris in India and Africa. They specialise in tiger safaris in Bandhavgarh, snow leopard expeditions in Ladakh, and a multitude of trips that connect travellers with nature, ethically and meaningfully. Their focus is on deep experiences, guided by expert naturalists and photographers, and they hold their journeys to inspire, educate and respect nature and the wild.
Apoorva Jadon